My husband repeatedly sla***ed me in the face over a trivial matter. The next morning, he saw a lavish feast and said, “It’s good that you’ve finally come to your senses!” But he panicked and nearly fainted from shock after seeing the guests seated at the table…

The kitchen smelled like garlic butter, roasted duck, fresh bread, cinnamon apples, and expensive coffee — the exact brand Daniel demanded.

I arranged silverware across the twelve-seat dining table while sunlight crept slowly through the windows.

Evelyn came downstairs first wrapped in pearls and superiority.

Her eyes widened at the breakfast spread before satisfaction settled across her face.

“Well,” she said smoothly, “pain really can teach valuable lessons.”

I placed a porcelain bowl on the table.

“Good morning, Evelyn.”

She blinked immediately.

I had never called her by her first name before.

Ten minutes later, Daniel walked downstairs wearing a navy robe and the smug grin of a man convinced he had won.